Building an outdoor fireplace can add warmth, ambiance, and functionality to your backyard or patio. However, constructing one does require careful planning and a reasonable budget. Costs vary widely based on the design, materials, and size of the fireplace. With the right information, you can determine a realistic price range and decide if creating an outdoor fireplace matches your budget.
Introduction
An outdoor fireplace allows you to enjoy flickering flames, smores, and quality time together in your own backyard. Unlike a portable fire pit, a permanent masonry fireplace makes a sophisticated statement and provides a focal point for your landscape.
But before you start gathering materials, you need to determine how much it will cost to build an outdoor fireplace that fits your space, style and budget. Prices run the gamut from DIY kits under $1,000 to elaborate customized designs costing over $10,000. With proper planning, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor fireplace without breaking the bank.
Factors That Impact Cost
Many variables affect the total expense of installing an outdoor fireplace. The major factors include:
Size
The dimensions of your outdoor fireplace significantly influence cost. Larger fireboxes, more substantial materials, and additional square footage escalate the price.
- Small: up to 36 inches wide.
- Medium: 36 to 50 inches wide.
- Large: over 50 inches wide.
In general, you can expect to pay $2,500 to $4,000 for a small fireplace, $4,000 to $6,500 for a medium, and $6,500 to $10,000+ for a large custom build.
Materials
Outdoor fireplaces are typically constructed from brick, natural stone, manufactured stone veneer, stucco, or paver stones. Material costs range from $2 to $25 per square foot.
Brick offers an elegant, traditional look for $6 to $15 per square foot. But it requires a robust foundation and masonry skills.
Natural stone like flagstone or river rock has an organic, rustic feel for $8 to $25 per square foot. Irregular sizes make it challenging to DIY.
Manufactured stone provides the look of natural stone for $2 to $15 per square foot. The lightweight faux stones are easy to install.
Stucco gives a smooth, modern finish for $2 to $8 per square foot. It requires sealing and ongoing maintenance.
Concrete pavers offer DIY-friendly durability for $5 to $15 per square foot. But they lack the aesthetic appeal of other options.
Choosing upscale materials like stacked stone or imported brick raises costs significantly. The type of materials also impacts the complexity of the installation.
Features and Details
Added features and decorative details increase the cost of materials and labor. Some popular add-ons that enhance functionality and style include:
- Chimney: $500 to $2,000
- Mantel: $500 to $2,000
- Gas or wood burning fireplace insert: $2,000 to $4,000
- Pizza oven: $3,000 to $7,000
- Outdoor kitchen: $4,000 to $10,000
- Built-in seating: $500 to $2,000
- Custom designs: $2,000+
The more extravagant and intricate the design, the higher your total expenses will be.
Location
Installing an outdoor fireplace attached to your home costs less than building a standalone structure farther from the house. Attached units save on materials and labor since they can tap into existing utilities.
Bringing utilities like gas, electricity, and water to a detached fireplace can add $500 to $5,000+ to the project depending on the complexity. Remote locations often need extra grading and foundation work too.
Labor
If you hire a professional mason to build your outdoor fireplace, expect to pay $60 to $75 per hour for an experienced contractor. Complex designs could take 40+ hours for a single mason to complete.
For a custom job with a stonemason, costs typically range from $3,000 to $6,000 just for installation labor. The more difficult the project, the higher the price tag.
Doing as much work as you can on your own cuts down on construction costs significantly. But complex masonry tasks require skill and practice for structural integrity.
Now that you know what affects the pricing, let’s look at the costs for specific design options.
Prefabricated Kit
Purchasing a pre-built modular fireplace kit is the most affordable and user-friendly option. DIY-friendly kits include everything needed for installation.
Prefab kits typically run between $800 and $4,000. Lower-priced models may require you to supply a foundation and finishing materials. Most companies offer a range of sizes, features, and materials to fit different spaces and budgets.
With a modular kit, you avoid the hassles of precisely measuring and cutting all the materials yourself. Preset rectangular or curved shapes have pre-cut firebrick lining and may include metal fireboxes, chimney flues, grates and log retainers.
Many kits include detailed instructions for assembly. However, you need basic masonry skills to stack the blocks and follow structural guidelines. Kits with mortared stone or brick weigh thousands of pounds, so they require a poured concrete base or footing.
For a medium-sized fireplace between 36 and 50 inches wide, expect to pay $1,500 to $3,500 for a prefabricated modular kit. Smaller kits cost around $800 to $2,000, while larger luxury models run $3,000 to $4,000.
Here are a few top-rated prefab outdoor fireplace kits:
- Pearl Mantels Dakota – $1,669
- Buckley Rumford – $3,900
- Outdoor GreatRoom Company – $2,699+
- Pavestone Rustic – $1,519
With a prefabricated fireplace, you get convenience at a reasonable price. But your design options are limited to the kit components.
Custom Built
For a one-of-a-kind outdoor fireplace, building a fully custom masonry design allows you to tailor every detail. When planning a custom fireplace, consider your purpose, placement, size, features, and materials.
Design Phase
Developing a complete custom design has multiple steps:
- Decide on the purpose – ambiance, heating, cooking.
- Choose a location that fits your space and meets safety codes.
- Select the size and footprint based on your needs.
- Pick materials that match your home and outdoor style.
- Include any special features like benches, ovens or inserts.
- Draw plans showing exact dimensions and details.
During the design process, modifying the fireplace features, shape, or materials leads to cost changes. Create a detailed plan upfront to get an accurate price estimate.
Foundation
Constructing a proper footing and foundation costs $1,500 to $3,000 of your total budget.
The base must safely distribute the weight into the ground. Materials like poured concrete with rebar reinforcement prevent settling cracks.
For attached designs, you can often utilize an existing patio foundation. Detached builds require excavating and installing a new dedicated base.
Frame Construction
Framing out the shape with cinder blocks or structural brick costs $500 to $1,500 in materials. Mortared block walls form the inner support for the facing stones or bricks.
An experienced mason charges around $25 per hour for framing labor. Complex designs take 20 to 40 hours to frame up depending on the layout.
Facing Materials
Applying the outer veneer layer makes up a major portion of custom fireplace costs. Materials range from $10 to $50 per square foot installed.
Manufactured stone facing for a 50 square foot fireplace costs $1,000 to $2,000 in materials. With masonry labor, expect to pay $4,000 to $6,000 total.
Natural stone for a 50 square foot area runs $4,000 to $10,000 in materials and installation. Unique sedimentary and granite stones create rustic outdoor elegance.
Brick faces cost $3,000 to $6,000 in materials for 50 square feet. Laying the brick precisely demands skilled masonry expertise.
The facing application requires another 20 to 40 hours of labor at $60+ per hour. Intricate patterns or thin stone veneers take more time and artistry.
Chimney Stack
Adding a chimney for wood burning fireplaces adds $800 to $1,500 in materials and labor. Prefab stainless steel chimney pipes average $500 to $1,000. Masonry chimneys run $1,000 to $2,000.
Each chimney section takes 2 to 3 hours to install. Chimney caps prevent moisture and animal damage. Expect to pay at least $800 for a basic chimney stack.
Firebox & Insert
For gas fireplaces, the firebox materials cost $500 to $1,500 depending on heat output and efficiency. Installation takes 5 to 10 hours at $50 to $75 per hour.
High-end wood burning inserts average $2,000 to $4,000 depending on features. Masonry fireboxes sans inserts run $1,500 to $2,500 including labor.
Additional Features
Upgrades like built-in seating, mantels, shelves, and grills raise the total cost $500 to $2,000 each. The more sections and details, the higher your overall budget climbs.
Finishing Touches
Sealing and protecting the finished fireplace with waterproofing compounds and heat-resistant paint costs $200 to $500. Decorative rock, gravel or mulch for the surrounding area runs $500 to $1,500 installed.
Total Custom Cost
The final price tag for a one-of-a-kind hand built outdoor fireplace typically runs $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Very intricate designs with premium materials can exceed $20,000.
But you can also scale down a custom build by limiting the footprint, opting for affordable materials, and keeping features simple.
DIY Installation
If you’re handy and willing to learn, doing much of the construction yourself significantly lowers costs. Expect to save 50% or more on labor by DIYing the project.
Design Prep
Spend time designing the fireplace layout and gathering supplies. Creating detailed plans helps the build go smoothly. Consider consulting a landscape architect for structural guidance.
Purchase all the concrete, blocks, facing stone and chimney materials upfront. Delivery fees add up quickly if you forget items.
Excavation
For detached builds, renting an excavator for a day costs $200 to $400. Dig at least 18 inches below the frost line and clear an area large enough for forms and working space.
Mark out the shape with stakes and string lines before digging. Call to locate any underground utilities beforehand.
Foundation Forms
Setting the wooden forms takes 2 to 3 hours for an experienced DIYer. Level and brace the plywood form walls securely before pouring concrete.
Aim for at least 20 inches wide by 12 inches deep for the footing. Make sure forms are square.
Pouring Concrete
Mixing and pouring a solid 4 inch concrete base yourself saves $600 to $1,000 in contractor fees.
Let the concrete fully cure for 5 to 7 days before building on top. Keep the surface damp during curing.
Framing Installation
Stacking cinder blocks or bricks to form the interior walls takes 10 to 20 hours for a novice. Follow fireplace diagrams and structural guides.
Use a level frequently to keep courses straight and plumb. Mortar each block securely. Brace temporarily until mortar cures.
Chimney Construction
Building your own chimney from cinder blocks takes 20+ hours. Alternatively, install a $500 prefab metal chimney kit in 5 hours.
Proper chimney height creates the needed draft. Angle any turns gently.
Veneer Application
Applying manufactured stone veneer or thin brick has a learning curve, but DIYers can master it. Take care to follow manufacturersâ€TM instructions.
Allow 1 to 2 days for applying stone or brick facing over the cured frame.
Caulking & Sealing
Caulk between veneers with fire-rated caulk. Seal any gaps thoroughly to prevent moisture issues.
Apply waterproof cement coating to fully protect the finished masonry fireplace.
Do It Yourself Costs
In total, expect to spend $2,000 to $5,000 on a DIY outdoor fireplace build. Purchasing all materials yourself saves significantly versus contractor markup on supplies.
With proper planning and effort, you can save thousands in labor expenses by constructing your own custom fireplace. Make sure to get building permits and follow codes.
Hiring a Contractor
For complex designs or if masonry work is outside your skill set, hiring a professional brings expertise plus peace of mind.
Typical contractor costs range from $5,000 to $15,000+ for custom builds. The final price depends on materials, features, site conditions and local rates.
Get bids from at least 3 contractors before signing a contract. Choose a licensed and insured company with proven fireplace experience.
Here are typical contractor costs for custom outdoor fireplace construction:
- Design consultation: $0 to $200 per hour
- Materials: Varies based on your selections
- Footing/foundation labor: $200 to $400
- Framing labor: $1,500 to $4,000
- Install facing: $1,500 to $6,000
- Construct chimney: $800 to $2,000
- Install gas or wood insert: $1,500 to $3,000
- Finishing labor: $500 to $2,000
- Total cost: $5,000 to $15,000+
For complex builds, a general contractor often oversees the masonry subcontractor and manages the project phases. Architectural design fees can also apply.
Get a binding written contract outlining the exact project scope, materials, timeline and price before work begins.
Permits
Most areas require building permits for permanent outdoor fireplace construction. Permit fees typically range from $200 to $500 depending on the location and scope of work.
The contractor usually pulls the necessary permits and arranges inspections. If you DIY the project, consult your local building department on permit needs before getting started.
In addition to the building permit, you may need separate electrical, gas, plumbing, and mechanical permits depending on your fireplace features.
All outdoor fireplaces must meet fire and safety codes for materials, setbacks, chimney height and utilities. Research your local requirements in advance.
Saving on Costs
If your budget is tight, downsizing the scale and design brings down the price considerably while still letting you enjoy outdoor flames. Some money-saving tips include:
- Choose a small footprint around 36 inches wide.
- Build on an existing concrete pad instead of pouring new.
- Select affordable brick or faux stone veneer.
- Opt for a simple rectangular shape.
- Use a prefab chimney instead of masonry.
- Purchase a basic wood burning or gas insert.
- Finish the sides minimally since they won’t be seen much.
- Do as much work yourself as safely possible.
- Get contractor discounts on off-season installation.
- Start with a fire pit now and upgrade later.
Prioritize the features that matter most to your vision of the ideal backyard fireplace. Even a basic DIY style creates enjoyable ambiance on a budget.
FAQs
How much does it cost to build an outdoor brick fireplace?
Constructing an outdoor brick fireplace typically costs $5,000 to $15,000. Brick costs $6 to $15 per square foot. A 50 square foot fireplace uses around $3,000 to $6,000 in materials. Masonry labor and other costs like the foundation, chimney, and fireplace insert add significantly to the total.
What is cheaper – wood or gas fire pit?
In most cases a wood burning fire pit costs less than a gas one. You can build a DIY wood-burning pit from $300 to $1,000. Prefab wood pits range from $200 to $2,000. Gas fire pits with burners start around $1,000 and high-end designer styles run up to $5,000 or more. The cost of fuel for gas tends to be higher long-term as well.
Should I build attached or detached?
Attached fireplaces cost less because they utilize the home’s existing foundation and utilities. Materials are also minimized without needing to construct side and back walls. Detached builds allow placement anywhere in the yard and offer 360-degree design freedom. But they require greater construction effort for the foundation and utilities.
How much does a basic fire pit cost?
Prefab steel or stone basic fire pits cost $200 to $1,500. Building a DIY fire pit with bricks or pavers runs $300 to $1,000. While simple to make, DIY fire pits lack longevity compared to masonry fireplaces. Installation costs are minimal if you have a patio or yard space ready.
What permits do I need for an outdoor fireplace?
Building permits are required in most areas for permanent outdoor m